Tallahassee’s school zone speed cameras rake in a staggering $318,000 in just 30 days as the city prepares to expand automated enforcement to potentially generate $18.6 million annually from traffic violations.
Key Takeaways
- Just two school zone cameras in Tallahassee have issued 3,179 speeding tickets since March 28, collecting nearly $318,000 in fines, with the city receiving about $124,000.
- The city plans to install 23 additional cameras, potentially generating around 40,000 tickets monthly and $1.5 million in revenue.
- If all planned cameras become operational, Tallahassee could earn $18.6 million annually from school zone speeders.
- Violators face $100 fines for exceeding speed limits by more than 10 mph, with the money distributed among the city, state, school board, and law enforcement education.
- Leon County is implementing a similar camera system with identical fines for areas outside city limits.
Automated Speed Enforcement Yields Significant Revenue
Tallahassee’s experiment with automated traffic enforcement is proving to be a remarkable revenue generator. In just the first month of operation, two school zone speed cameras have issued 3,179 tickets, amounting to nearly $318,000 in fines. The city has already collected approximately $124,000 from these violations, with each $100 ticket distributing $39 to city coffers after various deductions. The cameras, operational during school hours and 30 minutes before and after school sessions, are positioned near Ruediger Elementary, Raa Middle School, and DeSoto Trail Elementary, targeting drivers who exceed the posted limit by more than 10 mph.
“Long term, yes, I think it’s going to be a huge success for us as far as trying to deter any type of speeding that’s going to end up possibly hurting a child or a school crossing guard or teacher, or parent,” said TPD Major Jeff Mahoney.
Massive Expansion Planned as City Eyes Major Profit
The initial success has prompted Tallahassee officials to accelerate their plans for a significant expansion. The city has a five-year contract with RedSpeed Florida, LLC, and intends to install 23 additional cameras across 25 different school zones. This expansion could potentially generate around 40,000 tickets per month and $1.5 million in monthly revenue for the city. When fully implemented, the program could yield an astounding $18.6 million annually from school zone speeders, transforming what began as a safety initiative into a major revenue stream for local government.
“You can’t drive 26 [miles per hour] or you’ll get a ticket,” warned TPD Chief Lawrence Revell, making it clear that enforcement would be strict and automatic.
Safety Concerns or Revenue Generation?
While city officials frame the camera program primarily as a safety measure to protect children, the substantial revenue implications cannot be ignored. Each $100 fine is distributed among various government entities, with $39 going to the city, $20 to the State of Florida, $12 to the local school board, $5 to the crossing guard program, and $3 to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Education Fund. The program has already influenced city budget decisions, despite assurances that it aims to be “cost-neutral” for taxpayers. Some egregious violations have been recorded, including one driver clocked at 73 mph in a school zone.
“73 miles per hour is a problem,” noted Mahoney, highlighting the genuine safety concerns that initiated the program.
Expanding Beyond City Limits
The financial success of Tallahassee’s program has attracted attention from surrounding jurisdictions. Leon County is now planning to implement an identical camera system with the same $100 fine structure for speeders outside city limits. This regional approach suggests that automated traffic enforcement is likely to become a permanent fixture across the area, with both safety and revenue benefits driving expansion. The cameras will operate throughout school days but remain inactive on weekends and during school breaks, focusing enforcement on times when children are most likely to be present in these zones.
